Page 7 - Spring Summer 2023

Spotlight on Alumni, continued...

air personality at WHOU. When asked what influenced important! Not just the technical side but education in all
his choice to work in radio, Chris had no shortage of subjects. Having a deep understanding and knowledge
responses. of many subjects is key to success in the radio industry.
You might be thinking that the world has passed by the
“What impacted my choice to be in radio was just about radio Industry and moved on to streaming or internet
everything. As a child I listened to WHOU most days or something else but remember, video was supposed
and found it the most interesting thing EVER. At night, to kill the radio star back in the 80’s. Radio is still around
I would tune into AM radio stations from all over the and doing very well. AND we are on the internet and
country, listening to radio theater and different types of streaming as well”
shows. I did it almost every night and was exposed to
entertainment I never knew existed. I got caught up in Every weekday morning, Chris plays a game called
the CB craze a little in the 70’s and even had a nice base “Pick of the Day”. He plays a song and listeners call in
station right at home. When I was 16, I worked at WRNE, with their guess of the artist. It’s impressive to hear
doing my very first shows of classical music.” the number of callers, but more impressive to hear
where they are calling from. Thanks to the internet,
He says one of his favorite experiences in radio would Chris’s Morning Show can be heard, literally, all over
have to include going to the many concerts. He the world.
doesn’t think he has missed a single one! However,
most importantly, radio has allowed him to connect Christian Putnam. Just one more example of the many
with the community. He has always been involved outstanding alumni from Houlton High School who are
with local radio and not the large corporate radio making a difference in their communities.
station groups. His goal is and has been to be
connected and critical in the community and or region
that he’s based in.

“The best part of working back at WHOU is probably
the group I work with. WHOU is forward thinking
and community driven. There’s never a dull moment!
We do live broadcasts from almost every event that
happens in and around the area. “

Chris has extensive involvement with various boards
and groups that help to move the region forward. He
truly loves being a part of the community. During the
month of December, his popularity grows even more
as he takes on an alter-ego. (hint-he grows out his
white beard and dons a red suit).
I asked Chris what advice he would give to a current
student considering a career in radio.

“If you are seeking a career in radio today or think it
might be something you want to do, education is very Chris’ Senior Photo - 1981

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